Knowing what to do — and who to call — before a fall happens is one of the most important steps in fall prevention planning.
A written fall emergency plan does two things: it reduces panic in a high-stress moment, and it ensures the right people are notified quickly. Research shows that older adults who fall and lie on the floor for more than an hour — known as a "long lie" — have significantly worse outcomes including dehydration, pressure injuries, hypothermia, and pneumonia. Having a plan means help arrives sooner.
Save three emergency contacts below. Give at least one person a spare key or door code. Make sure each contact knows they are on your list and what you'd want them to do.
Knowing these steps in advance reduces panic and ensures you make good decisions in a frightening moment. Print this section and keep it on your refrigerator.
Trying to get up too quickly after a fall can cause further injury. Take a slow breath. Assess how you feel before moving. If you hit your head, are in severe pain, or cannot move a limb, stay still and call for help.
Can you move all four limbs? Is there sharp pain in your hip, wrist, or back? If yes to either, do not try to get up. Call 911 and wait for help. If you feel uninjured, move toward a sturdy piece of furniture before attempting to stand.
Call 911 if injured. Call a family member or neighbor if you need assistance but are not injured. If your phone is not within reach, shout "Hey Siri," "Alexa," or "Hey Google" to make a call by voice. An Apple Watch will automatically detect a fall and offer to call 911.
Bang on the floor with a hard object or your hand — neighbors and family can hear this more clearly than shouting. If you can slide, move toward a room where a phone or door is closer. Keep warm — slide toward a blanket or rug if the floor is cold. A "long lie" (more than 1 hour on the floor) significantly increases medical risk.
A medical alert device ensures you can always call for help, even if your phone isn't within reach. These range from wearable buttons to watches with automatic fall detection.
Apple Watch Series 4 and later includes automatic fall detection. If the watch detects a hard fall and you don't respond within 60 seconds, it automatically calls emergency services and shares your location. Available on all Apple Watch models from $199.
A dedicated medical alert button worn as a pendant or wristband. Pressing the button connects you to a 24/7 monitoring center who can dispatch help. No smartphone required. Plans from $29.95/month. GPS models available for use outside the home.
Any Amazon Echo device can be used to call for help by voice — no hands required. Say "Alexa, call [name]" to reach a family member, or "Alexa, call 911" for emergencies (requires Alexa Together or a supported carrier). Place an Echo in every room for full-home coverage.
A medical ID bracelet or wallet card lists your conditions, medications, allergies, and emergency contacts for first responders. Critical if you live alone, have diabetes, take blood thinners, or have a pacemaker. Engraved stainless steel options from $20–80.
Print your contacts and the "If you fall" steps. Post one copy on the refrigerator and keep one near your bed. Give a copy to each emergency contact.